The Influence Of N, P and K Fertilizer Rates On Yield and Quality Of Cassava Tubers In The Coastal Semiarid Dondo District Of Mozambique.

Due to increasing demand for starch products, the international starch market is moving beyond its traditional corn (Zea mays L.) and potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) sources. Owing to its high quality and starch content, cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) can become an alternative starch source to corn and potato and as such be promoted as a major cash crop in developing countries. However, while sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) continues to lead as the foremost cassava producing region, in most SSA countries little or no work has been done to develop fertilizer recommendations for improving yields. To address this issue, a fertilizer study was initiated at two sites in Dondo District in Sofala province, Mozambique. Three experiments of four replications each were established in each site in early 2013, aiming to determine the best combination of N, P and K rates for optimum yields.  Furthermore, this study aims to investigate how cassava quality as measured by starch and cyanide is influenced by fertilizer application.  Starch and cyanide estimation will be completed using standard tests for cassava density and cyanide reaction with alkaline picrate.  Yield response(s) and economically optimal fertilizer rates for N, P and K will be determined using simple mathematical modeling. Results of this study will be used as the basis for making appropriate fertilizer recommendation for cassava yield maximization and optimum tuber quality.